Today, Batman is one of the most recognizable superheroes in the world, and there have been countless materials about the caped crusader. This review is of what is known as the old school version of Batman, and the first time the world was introduced to the world of Batman.

History:

The comic starts off pretty plain and simple, with Bruce Wayne’s parents being killed by a random assailant. In the first issue, Batman is shown to gain strength by exercising and also become a master scientist. In this version, Bruce decides to dress up as a bat because he thinks the image of a bat would strike terror into the heart of a criminal, since most criminals are superstitious.

The next page sees the introduction of The Joker, a master criminal, announcing on the radio that he will steal the Claridge diamond and kill the owner, Frank Claridge. But before the dastardly plan can be put into motion, Mr. Claridge contacts the police, and the police promise to provide Claridge with safety.

The people in blue can’t help the man, who drops dead right in front of their eyes, a strange laugh plastered to his lips. And what’s more, the Claridge diamond is also stolen!

In the next panel, we are told how the Joker set his plan in motion by injecting Mr. Claridge with poison the day before, resulting in his death on that particular day.

The next day, another rich man, Jay Wilde, is threatened in the same way, and as the police once again offer protection, the Joker catches his man with the help of poison gas.

Sudden deaths draw the attention of a crime syndicate, who think getting Joker is getting into their business. The leader of the thugs, Brute Nelson, is now shooting at the Joker. His cronies let slip the message that Brute is looking for the Joker, and this message reaches Batman, who decides to keep an eye out.

The Joker lands at the Brute’s house, as does Batman. There is a skirmish between the thugs, Batman and Joker. In the fight, the Joker shoots Brute, but Batman chases after the Joker. However, the Joker gets the upper hand and kicks Batman into a pond.

The next day, Joker announces his third murder, Judge Blake, and manages to kill the judge, because the Joker arrives disguised as a police officer at the judge’s house.

But when The Joker escapes from the house, Robin tries to follow him and is attacked and captured by The Joker. Batman arrives at the judge’s bungalow and discovers where the Joker has taken Robin with the help of a special light that shows footsteps in the dark.

When Batman arrives at the location where Robin is captured, he is confronted by Joker, who attacks Batman with the same poison gas. and the Joker leaves him to die.

However, Batman recovers and saves himself and Robin, and Robin tells Batman that Robin is ready to steal Cleopatra’s necklace next. The handsome duo now run to the home of the necklace’s owner, Otto Drexel. And before the Joker can do anything, Batman and Robin beat up the Joker together and put him behind bars.

Note:

The first issue of Batman is an action-packed introduction to the world of Batman, and the issue becomes awesome simply because it’s the first appearance of three iconic characters.

The comic also showcases two great inventions, the Joker’s laughing gas and Batman’s flashlight that shows footprints in the dark.